Valentine’s Day is the time we celebrate our love for our significant others.
Besides flowers and candy, we like to express our love with a gift of jewelry.
Protecting your most cherished possessions—whether it’s a diamond engagement ring, a vintage watch, or a family heirloom—requires more than just a safe place to store them.
While many people assume their home insurance provides sufficient protection, the reality is often quite different.
A stand-alone jewelry policy offers a level of security that standard homeowners policies simply cannot match.
What is Stand-Alone Jewelry Insurance?
A stand-alone jewelry policy is a dedicated insurance plan designed specifically for jewelry.
Unlike a homeowners policy, which is built to protect your dwelling and general contents (like furniture and appliances), a stand-alone policy focuses exclusively on the unique risks associated with fine jewelry.
Stand-Alone vs. Homeowners Coverage
The differences between these two types of coverage are significant, particularly when it comes to “perils” (the causes of loss) and claim limits.
- Comprehensive Perils: Standard home insurance typically only covers “named perils” like fire or theft. If you lose your ring while swimming or a stone falls out of its setting, you are likely out of luck. Specialized policies cover mysterious disappearance and accidental damage, which account for a large percentage of jewelry claims.
- No Impact on Home Premiums: If you file a jewelry claim on your homeowners policy, your entire home insurance premium could increase, or you could even face non-renewal. With a stand-alone policy, your jewelry claims remain separate and won’t affect your home insurance rates.
- Choice of Jeweler: Many home insurers require you to work with their “network” of repair shops. Stand-alone policies often allow you to work with your own trusted jeweler to ensure the repair or replacement meets your exact standards.
How Inexpensive Is It?
One of the biggest surprises for jewelry owners is how affordable dedicated coverage is.
According to Jewelers Mutual, the annual cost typically ranges from 1% to 2% of the item’s value.
This means for a $5,000 engagement ring, you could be looking at a premium as low as $50 to $100 per year—roughly the cost of one coffee a month.
Helpful Comparison Tables
Coverage Features at a Glance
| Feature | Standard Home/Renters | Stand-Alone Jewelry Policy |
| Theft | Yes (often limited to $1,500) | Yes (full value) |
| Accidental Loss | No | Yes |
| Mysterious Disappearance | No | Yes |
| Damage (Broken Prongs, etc.) | Limited | Yes |
| Worldwide Travel | Limited | Included |
| Impact on Home Policy | High Risk | None |
Estimated Annual Cost Examples
| Jewelry Value | Estimated Annual Premium (1-2%) |
| $2,500 | $25 – $50 |
| $5,000 | $50 – $100 |
| $10,000 | $100 – $200 |
| $15,000 | $150 – $300 |
1. Notable Individual Cases and Trends for Jewelry Claims
High-value thefts in Florida have become increasingly frequent, often involving organized crime groups.
- Organized Crime Surge: The Florida Office of the Attorney General reported a 7% increase in active organized retail theft cases leading into 2025, with jewelry being a primary target.
- Specific 2025 Heists:
- Naples/Martin County: Authorities recently recovered over $400,000 in stolen jewelry (including a $35,000 Rolex) from a single suspect involved in multiple thefts across South Florida.
- St. Petersburg: In early 2025, burglars used a sledgehammer to break into a jewelry store, stealing approximately $45,000 worth of gems.
- Cape Coral: A theft from a vehicle at a gas station resulted in a loss of $32,000 in jewelry.
2. The Impact of Rising Valuations
A major factor in 2025 jewelry loss statistics is the skyrocketing value of precious metals.
- Gold Prices: Gold reached all-time highs in late 2025, exceeding $4,000 per ounce.
- Silver & Platinum: These metals saw year-over-year increases of over 100% and 95%, respectively.
- Result: Because of these price surges, even “minor” thefts or losses involve significantly higher dollar amounts than in previous years, often pushing what would have been a misdemeanor theft into the Grand Theft category.
3. Florida Theft Thresholds (2025)
In Florida, the value of the jewelry determines the severity of the criminal charge:
- Grand Theft (3rd Degree): $750 – $20,000
- Grand Theft (2nd Degree): $20,000 – $100,000
- Grand Theft (1st Degree): Over $100,000
4. Insurance & Loss Statistics
Nationally, Jewelers Mutual’s 2025 study found that nearly 4 in 10 jewelry collectors have experienced an item being stolen, damaged, or lost. In Florida, “mysterious disappearance” (losing an item without knowing how) remains one of the top causes of claims, though it is rarely covered by standard homeowners’ policies.
Summary Table: Florida Jewelry Theft Landscape
| Category | Trend / Stat (2024-2025) |
| Organized Retail Theft | Up 7% (Florida AG Data) |
| Common Loss Causes | Theft from cars, home burglaries, “mysterious disappearance” |
| Average High-Value Claim | $32,000 – $45,000 (typical per-incident reports) |
| Gold Value Impact | +55% increase in replacement costs |
For residents looking to protect against these rising risks, specialists like Cronin Insurance Agency recommend stand-alone policies that cover the full, current market value of jewelry—especially given how quickly replacement costs have risen in the last 12 months.
Where to Buy Your Policy
While you can research online, the best way to ensure your valuables are protected correctly is to work with an expert who understands the nuances of the Florida insurance market.
Cronin Insurance Agency is the premier choice for securing your jewelry policy.
Our experienced agents can help you navigate the appraisal process and find a plan that offers the broadest protection at the best price.
Don’t wait until a stone is missing or a necklace is lost to find out you aren’t covered.
Contact Cronin Insurance Agency today to give your jewelry the specialized protection it deserves.